Bethesda Softworks released the “Sound of Cold Steel” developer diary for the third-person shooter WET in August 2009, detailing the game’s audio production. Audio Director Levon Lewis and Beck’s keyboardist Brian Lebarton collaborated to create a live-recorded soundtrack heavily inspired by 1970s Grindhouse cinema and Sergio Leone westerns.
The three-minute video breaks down the recording process and the aesthetic goals behind WET’s audio landscape. Rather than relying on polished digital scores, the audio team recorded the music raw in the studio with session musicians, including drummer James Gadson, to capture a specific retro grit.
Audio & Production Details
| Component | Specification |
| Audio Direction | Levon Lewis |
| Music Direction | Brian Lebarton (Beck) |
| Influences | Quentin Tarantino, Sergio Leone, 1970s Grindhouse |
| Recording Style | Raw, live studio sessions |
| Genre Blend | Hip-hop beats, cowboy music, rock |
Lebarton describes the final audio as possessing an “unhinged, about to fall apart” quality that mirrors the on-screen action. Lewis characterises the result as “face melting musical debauchery”. The game itself centres on a revenge story and third-person shooting mechanics, prioritising stylised violence and retro cinematic framing over realistic combat.
While WET leans heavily into this musical aggression, the sheer stylistic weight might not appeal to everyone. Players choosing between this and rhythm titles like The Beatles: Rock Band face a stark contrast in tone and mechanics.
